She is now accepting entries for the 2009 Miss Vista and Miss Teen Vista competitions, which will be April 18. The emphasis is on scholastic achievement and community service, Bednar said. The competition will not have a talent contest or swimsuit segment. Winners receive scholarship money and a variety of prizes.

“It's a learning experience for the girls,” Bednar said. “They learn public speaking, how to interact with adults and gain a lot of confidence. Even those who didn't win tell me that they learned interviewing skills that came in useful when they were looking for jobs.”

Bednar will host an orientation meeting Saturday to explain pageant rules, eligibility and other requirements. The meeting will be at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1310 Foothill Drive, Vista.